A bat from Burlington has tested positive for rabies.
The regional public health authority said it was able to confirm the presence of the viral disease in the bat on Tuesday.
According to officials, the bat was pulled from Burlington’s Central neighbourhood.
“Although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada,” the region said in a release on Wednesday.
Public health said this is the first positive case of rabies it’s discovered in a bat this year.
The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal such as raccoons, skunks, dogs, cats, foxes and bats.
“If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately,” the health authority said, adding that anyone who discovers a bat in their home should not attempt to remove it themselves.
“Contact your local Animal Control Services. To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, follow the steps on ontario.ca/rabies.”
Alternatively, residents can report any instances of animal bites or scratches directly to Halton Region Public Health by calling 311.
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